Fourth official -
Barry Knight, England.Guest
of honour is Sir Bobby Robson.A minute's silence is observed before the match
and black armbands are worn in honour of Ray Harford, a former England U21
manager, and Jimmy Davis, a England youth player, who both died earlier this
month.

David Beckham marked his
return to England duty after moving to Real Madrid by inspiring
Sven-Göran Eriksson's side to victory against Croatia.
Captain Beckham gave England an early lead from the penalty spot and
set up Michael Owen's header for the second before being substituted
to a standing ovation at Portman Road. But England coach
Eriksson will not have been totally satisfied by another uncertain
defensive display on a night when the over-reliance on Beckham and
Owen was emphasised once more.

Croatia had a succession of opportunities to
punish England in the first half, only to be denied by goalkeeper
David James. Ivica Mornar pulled a goal back for Croatia late
on, only for substitute Lampard to wrap up England's win with a
spectacular long-range strike.

But Eriksson has much to work on defensively
before England embark on their crucial Euro 2004 qualifiers in the
coming months. Beckham crowned his return to international
service by putting England ahead from the penalty spot after only
eight minutes. It was a nightmare moment for Croatia defender
Josip Simunic, who inexplicably handled Beckham's cross under little
pressure from the lurking Owen.

Beckham dispatched the penalty
with customary expertise - but it was the high spot of a dismal
first 45 minutes for England. England's defence, with John
Terry making his first start, was constantly exposed by Croatia,
particularly on the left flank as Ashley Cole was left constantly
isolated. The cause was not helped by an injury to Nicky Butt,
which saw him replaced by Lampard after only 26 minutes.

And it was only an excellent display from
goalkeeper James that kept England on level terms at the interval.
Ivica Olic's cross was headed over by Milan Rapaic, and James was
forced to plunge bravely at Olic's feet as Croatia threatened again.

England had a double escape nine minutes before
the break as Croatia exerted almost total supremacy. James
saved brilliantly from Marijo Maric's header, and then reacted to
save well from Olic after Beckham's attempted back-pass fell
desperately short.

Eriksson's concern was reflected in only a single
half-time change, with the over-worked James being replaced by Leeds
United's Paul Robinson. England responded by doubling their
advantage after 50 minutes - when their dependence on world class
duo Beckham and Owen was demonstrated again. Beckham delivered
the perfect cross from the right flank and Owen arrived unmarked at
the far post to bury a decisive header.

It was the signal for Eriksson to make his usual
wholesale changes as he introduced five substitutes, with
goalscorers Beckham and Owen among those taken off.
Southampton's James Beattie got his chance with 15 minutes left when
Emile Heskey ended another scoreless international night by limping
off injured.

Croatia deservedly got on the scoresheet three
minutes later when Mornar scored from close range. But England
bounced back in style to wrap things up after 80 minutes minutes
left, Lampard sending a 25-yard drive into the top corner.